How to clean your computer hardware

I’ve never cleaned my computer, I’ve only dusted the monitor, but I’ve never removed the cover or tried to reach the crumbs that are hidden inside my keyboard. And honestly I do not know the difference between cleaning with dusters or with compressed air cleaners, you can call professional washing service to help you.

If it is a desktop or laptop computer, dust and lint can clog the ventilation grilles. This can cause the computer brain, ie the central processing unit (CPU) to become hot. Heat is the main cause of failure of the components in computers. Regular cleaning can save costly maintenance costs in the future.

Follow these five simple steps to clean and maintain your computer. With these steps you can keep your equipment and accessories bright and as new. It is an easy way to solve problems of computer operation and that the life of this device is extended to the maximum.

Not what you were looking for?

If you are trying to clean your computer, in the sense of clean virus software , is a guide on the Microsoft Web security, which provides a series of instructions for making a free security scan. This antivirus can be easily downloaded from the web that we have already indicated. If what you are trying to find is tips on how to clean up system clutter and unwanted files to make your programs run faster, you can find these help articles by automatically speeding up your computer maintenance programs and optimizing the Computer for maximum performance and remove programs you no longer need.

For cleaning the pc you need:

– A screwdriver

– Can of compressed air, available in computer stores or office supply stores. In their absence it would be worth a pear of air that they sell in photo shops.

– Cotton wipes, do not use cotton balls

– Alcohol

– Soft, lint-free cloths, paper towels, or anti-static wipes

– Water

– Safety glasses, optional

Important: Always turn off the computer and disconnect the power supply before performing any of these steps.

Step 1: Remove the computer case

If you see dust or dirt accumulated, around the entrances of your desktop or laptop computer, you can be sure that there is more inside, and that this will only cause problems. To remove it, you will have to open the box. This action may seem more intimidating than it really is. Before you begin, of course, make sure that the computer is off and disconnected from the power supply.

Manufacturers’ policies vary but, in some cases, opening the equipment box may void the warranty. You can even find a warning label on the case. Review the terms of the warranty before continuing.

For desktop computers there are small variations, since the manufacturers of computers of this type of mechanism, use different types of fixation to secure the box. In modern equipment there are usually two or more small buttons located on the back of the computer, you can turn it by hand or sometimes just press them, to release the side panel or the central shell of the box. Other models may require more trouble, they have to remove two or more screws. If in doubt, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

For laptops. Place the computer face down on a table or other stable surface. You may want to put a towel or paper under the computer to avoid scratches and scuffs. Then the battery has to be removed. On most laptops, the ventilation holes are located on the bottom of the computer, behind the battery, there is the box fixed with several screws, these are very small and are usually the Phillips brand, you can also Find another variety of screws, which can be of different lengths. Remove them, and make sure not to lose any.

Once you have accessed the fans and have the box removed from the laptop or desktop computer, touch as little as possible inside the computer, keep your fingers away from the cards and cables. Look for specks of dust or lint in corners and cracks. Wipe it gently with a pair of tweezers or a cotton wipe. It is then necessary to blow compressed air around all the components and along the bottom of the box, keeping the nozzle at least ten centimeters away from the machine. Blow air into the power supply box and fan.

Try to direct the pressurized air stream, so that the fluff comes out and away from cracks and gaps. It is a very good idea to wear safety glasses to prevent dust from getting into your eyes.

Take special care when blowing delicate circuits because excessive pressure can break a blade or damage the bearings. Place the can of compressed air well away, and apply constant air bursts. As a precaution, you can also carefully immobilize the fan blades with your fingertip or a cotton wipe while using compressed air.

Finally, blow air on the floppy disk, CD or DVD, and I / O ports, with delicacy and not too aggressive. Wipe the inside of the cover with a slightly dampened cloth and dry it before changing it.

It is recommended to do this every three months, if you have the computer on the floor, if you have pets that give off hair, or if you smoke. Otherwise, cleaning can be done for longer periods is recommended from six to eight months.

Step 2: Clean external computer slots

Grab a cotton swab moistened with alcohol and pass it around all the openings on the outside of your computer. Give them a pass with the end of a damp cloth and with the other ends of the cloth, which is not wet to dry it. Do this as many times as you clean the inside of the equipment.

Step 3: Clean the keyboard

Turn the keyboard face down and shake gently so that most of the crumbs and dust fall out. It takes a can of compressed air and blows it in and around the keys. Then, take a cotton towel and immerse yourself in alcohol. This has to be moist but not soggy. Gently wipe the cotton wipe around the outside of each key. It rubs the top of the keys, above all do not skimp on the ones with the wipes, you have to use those that you need. Once these become dirty they are discarded, and changed to new ones. If you have a laptop, follow the same procedure, but you should be especially careful with the equipment and when you manipulate them can damage the screen. It is recommended to clean the keyboard once a month.

It is tempting to use a vacuum cleaner to suck the debris out of the keyboard and other parts of the computer, but technicians warn that it can create a static electric charge that can actually damage the sensitive electronic components of the computer.

Watch out for spilled liquid on computers:

If you use too much alcohol, it may leak through the keyboard and spills may occur, if this happens, turn off the computer, unplug the keyboard, and turn it over. While the keyboard is face down, dry the keys with a paper towel, blow compressed air between the keys and let it air dry overnight. After a while you can see that all traces of moisture have evaporated before using the keyboard again. Liquid spills on laptops need more attention because the liquid can easily penetrate the keyboard and damage internal parts. For spills on laptops, turn off the computer and remove any external power supply and other items connected to it. You have to turn the laptop, remove the battery, and then take it to a repair center, the nearest to check for internal damage. Simply blowing compressed air on the keyboard and letting it dry at night, sometimes is not enough since the liquid can sit inside a laptop for days.

For all spills, keep in mind that anything other than water can cause serious damage, and never try to dry a keyboard or laptop in the microwave or in the conventional oven.

Step 4: The Mouse

Disconnect the mouse from the computer. Rub the top and bottom of the mouse with a piece of paper moistened with alcohol. Scrape the dirt with the nail. If you have an optical mouse, make sure there is lint as it can obscure the light emitting lens at the bottom of the mouse.

If using a mechanical mouse, open the bottom of the mouse and draw the ball. (In most cases, just turn the plastic ring that surrounds the ball a quarter turn to the left.) Wash the ball with water and let it air dry. To clean the interior of a mechanical mouse, immerse a cotton swab in alcohol and rub all interior components, paying special attention to small rollers where dirt tends to accumulate. Finally, blow compressed air into the opening and ensure that the interior is dry. Replace ball and cap.

It is recommended to clean the mouse monthly.

Step 5: Monitor

To clean liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and flat screens, lightly moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with running water. Microfiber cloths are excellent for this purpose. Avoid using paper bursts, which can leave tiny specks of dust and paper on the surface of the screen. Do not spray liquid directly on the screen, always spray the cloth first. Gently wipe the screen to remove dust and fingerprints. You can also purchase monitors cleaning products at computer stores.

For monitor glass, such as a TV screen, use a glass cleaner that you would use to clean your home. Unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise, do not use alcohol or ammonia cleaners that may damage the anti-reflective coatings. And never try to open the casing of a CRT monitor, the capacitors inside it can keep a dangerous electrical load even after the monitor has been disconnected.

Clean the monitor weekly. Finally, make sure everything is dry before connecting the computer back to the electricity.